Those who do meaningful work, meaning that improves the well-being of society are miniscule. Modern life is selfish and becomes meaningless, but few realise this sad fact!
How much one needs depends, but not much really. Many young have one or two kids, so a two-bedroom is more than sufficient. And also, they hardly spend much time in the house, and have few relatives visiting them. So a basic home is sufficient, no need to borrow neck-deep.
Then the quaestion of joint families. That is needed only as long as the grandparents are useful at home; otherwise, most are shown the door in many ways; just made unwelcome!
Women can be useful at homes, but not the men! An almost ninety-year old man lamented; he wanted to be of help but is treated with suspicion when he ventures into the kitchen!
Modern day families went the other way; few are given visas into their houses, unlike previously, when it was open-house! Anyone was welcome and all were family! Now privacy issues are enforced strictly according to various evaluations; earlier times old was revered, now ignored!
Old need to be useful around the house, but only few can be,and is tough for men; they may be allowed - care of their wives! Time we realised money can only do so much; too much of it is a burden and a liability and many realise this bitter truth when it is too late. The enemy is always within!
funny, why the other side of the fence is always greener? man is impatient indeed, always pines for things he doesnt have, more the restrictions, more the urge, joint families were split for nuclear families, to single parent and now back to joint, what ever you are into, live in peace, cant have everything to be perfect, man is made to be imperfect.
This thought provoking issue deserves the due attention of indian social scientists/leaders/reformers . Norms set by them,are BINDING for local couples. Multiple problems in household today, is a cause of bewilderness and dream of escape from bondage of familly(nuclear or joint),or, societal obligations in particular, is prevalent.but likely to invite difficulty later. All Personal liking / dislikings is not human rights and force for reformation of social norms. Social behavour is to be in compliance with norms set by the competent authority ro avoid persecution.' SERVICE Rules define SERVICE HOLDER'S familly to be nuclear i.e. husband,wife and children but do not include parents from either side . Parents are not included in marriage laws as guardian either . But Joint familly stature is legally recognised in I.T rule/inheritence and maintenance acts or rules include them . Some times taking parental liabilty helps financially/convenience, though at the cost of privacy but some times not, Their is no old age home or vanaprastha concept nor there is adequate social security. Joinr family is extra liability for a new bride who comes to reside with GROOM'S PARENTAL residence. Separate residence,is preferable to bride from inheritence/privacy point of view . These underbase fallacy is origin of couples preference/nonpreference to joint or nuclear familly. To my opinion , either of familiy type can be a happyone provided common ethics shared by couple
( In cases where both parents work ) Happy Joint Family ==> Morning 05 - 07 am Bath, Prayers, snacks preparation 09am - 03pm : At work place ( devoted to work ) ( one can seriously do good work at this time. Even people working 14 hrs at workplace spend atleast eight hours in gossiping or sleeping or atleast waiting for someone some work / file to be handed over or canteen etc.) 04pm - 06 pm spending time with kids, grandparents, elders Next half an hour : prayer Tv / computer for next 1 hour Food preparation, cleaning followed by Chatting about olden days with friends and relatives at home / outside ( not at workplace ), teaching children good habits, cultivating them to be honest, go to bed by 10 pm and avoid late night movies. This is my opinion. I find the families who adopt this have a charm in their face and are free of tension.
